Razvan Preotu is a grade six student from Burlington, Ontario. He regularly attends tournaments in Toronto, Guelph, Kitchener, and Hamilton, where he has seen a remarkable rating increase (CFC +589, CMA +440) in 2010. His major achievements include first place finishes in the Ontario Chess Challenge, Canadian Chess Challenge, and 2010 Lasker Series. He has also received recognition for his performance in the Canadian Open.

Nicole Birarov is a grade three student from Thornhill, Ontario. She regularly attends Knights of Chess and participates in tournaments every month. She has displayed spectacular rating progress (CFC +368, CMA +464) in 2010 as a result of a first place performance in the OYCC, first/second place performances in Scholastic Grand Prix tournaments, second place in the CYCC, and third place in the Ontario Chess Challenge. She has also participated in the WYCC and NAYCC.

Luke Pulfer is a grade two student from Surrey, B.C. He regularly attends the Langley Club. He has also shown great progress (CFC +295, CMA +543) in 2010. His major achievements include first place finishes in the Vancouver Chess Challenge and BC Provincials, as well as second place finishes in the Canadian Chess Challenge and BCYCC.

Yue Tong (Davy) Zhao is a grade three student from Scarborough, Ontario. He regularly attends Knights of Chess and the Scarborough Chess Club. He also participates in tournaments every month. His rating progress (CFC +195, CMA +228) in 2010 is marked by a first place finish in the Ontario Chess Challenge, and second place finishes in Scholastic Grand Prix tournaments and the Canadian Chess Challenge. He has received recognition for his performance in the Canadian Open.

Patrick Angelo Tolentino is a grade three student from Calgary, Alberta. He regularly attends/trains at the Calgary Junior Chess Club. His progress (CFC +238, CMA +195) in 2010 is marked by a great performance in the CYCC, and second place in the Canadian Chess Challenge.

Varshini Paraparan is a grade three student from Toronto, Ontario. She regularly attends Knights of Chess, Scarborough Chess Club, Queens & Kings School of Chess, and the Canadian Chess Academy. Her progress (CFC +200, CMA +376) in 2010 includes a first place finish in the OYCC.

Daniel Zotkin is a grade four student from Etobicoke, Ontario. He regularly attends Knights of Chess, Scarborough Chess Club, and Swansea Chess Club. His progress (CFC +194, CMA +94) in 2010 includes a first place finish in the CYCC.

Jamil Kassam is a grade five student from Edmonton, Alberta. He regularly attends the Edmonton Chess Club and participates in tournaments every month. His progress (CFC +301, CMA +212) in 2010 includes first place finishes in the Edmonton Chess Challenge, Alberta Chess Challenge, Northern Alberta Scholastic Championships, and AYCC. He also finished third at the Canadian Chess Challenge.

Derick Aghamalian is a grade five student from Thornhill, Ontario. He regularly attends Knights of Chess, Scarborough Chess Club, and Swansea Chess Club, and participates in tournaments every month. His progress (CFC +85, CMA +292) in 2010 includes a third place finish in the Ontario Chess Challenge. He also participated in the NAYCC.

Jeff Zhang is a grade five student from Nepean, Ontario. He regularly attends the Ottawa Summer Camp and RA Chess Club. His progress (CFC +247, CMA +178) in 2010 includes high finishes in Scholastic Grand Prix tournaments (third/first), and first place in the Eastern Ontario Chess Challenge. He also participated in the NAYCC.

Juliaan Posaratnanathan is a grade eight student from Toronto, Ontario. He regularly attends Scarborough Chess Club and Oriole Chess Club, and participates in tournaments every month. He is one of the most active players in the CFC. His progress (CFC +192, CMA +232) in 2010 includes high performances in the Ontario High School Championship and Canadian Open, second place in the OYCC, and third in the Ontario Team Chess Championship. He also participated in the NAYCC.

Yuekai Wang is a grade eight student from Calgary, Alberta. He regularly attends the Calgary Junior Chess Club. His progress in the CMA (CMA +288) in 2010 has been complemented by first place finishes in the Calgary Chess Challenge, Alberta Chess Challenge, and AYCC, and third place finish in the Canadian Chess Challenge.

4.Noise level - once I went to a tournament where the room we played in was directly below a room full of dancers; well, I guess that's only good if you want to show off your ceiling ;) Same for squeaky chairs and tables. Oh, and also consider if the sound of chess pieces + clocks will affect other conduct in the building.

6. Rules - there are many rules to consider, but as an example, you don't want to have hundreds of players going through a high-rise hotel if the elevator limit is really low. You also don't want to have a junior tournament in a location more suited for adults (and vice versa).

7. Fees - everyone should know by now...you have to read the fine print!

8.Special considerations - are there different rooms for different sections or one room for everyone? Is there a stage or other feature to highlight key games? What is the connectivity and technology available in the room(s)? What about temperature/humidity? etc...

9. Reputation and past record of the venue - for instance, what other tournaments and events been held there before?

10.Instinct - be extra cautious if something doesn't feel right. If you don't like the venue, and have other suitable options, go with one of the alternatives. You'll probably run a better tournament in a location you are more comfortable with.

Friends/family - please consider making a donation to the Elaine Howie Fund in place of gifts you would otherwise give me. Even $5 or $10 helps ensure children are recognized for their efforts. All donated money is paid out to recipients. I provide the additional certificates/prizes/miscellaneous expenses as my own contribution.